Perceptions

We had our third day of Diversity Champion Class and as always we end it with a board break. If you haven't read my post about the board break process you'll want to read the one called "barriers"

I'm starting to see a pattern doing these classes and what conversations people are having with themselves. I wish that I could create a mirror that truly reflected someones image in crystal clear clarity. What do you see when you look in your mirror... a kitten or a lion? ; )

It amazes me the wounds people have had inflicted upon them since the day they started riding this big ball we call earth.

I am one of those people but at some point in my past I stopped buying the BS. How dare someone inflict their insecurities upon me and expect me to buy them as my own. I now can recognize when someone is trying to pull this one on me.

It's been a long and bumpy road to get to this point but I've done it. I still slip back from time to time but overall, I'm much better about myself now.

The internet has introduced a new self esteem breaker. People have the audacity to sit behind their monitors and pass judgments on total strangers. How freaking sad is that?!? People need to get off the internet and get out to meet people, what a cop out to sit for hours trying to meet someone over the internet.

I have fallen into this trap myself to only realize that I have wasted considerable amount of time that could have been better spent. I could have spent that hour in the gym looking and feeling better about myself. What a new concept!?!

I have advised people going through our class to not buy the BS anymore. If they can't see how beautiful they really are, then they need to call someone that WILL show them just how beautiful they are on the days when they can't see it themselves.

Should Law Enforcement Officers Be Held To A Higher Standard?

This news story caught my attention today:

A Nebraska State trooper is accused of being a member of a white supremacist organization known as The White Knights, a group affiliated with the Ku Klux Klan. Trooper Bob Henderson admitted his membership in the White Knights after a tip to the patrol last fall.

Bruning says Henderson was fired in February, he appealed that decision and an outside arbitrator ruled Henderson must be reinstated as a trooper. Bruning has filed an appeal, saying membership in the White Knights is not acceptable for an officer.

Omaha Senator Ernie Chambers intends to file a complaint with the Nebraska Crime Commission asking that Henderson's certification as an officer be revoked. Bruning and Tuma say they agree with Chambers. Henderson's lawyer says he has withdrawn his membership in the White Knights and has apologized to the State Patrol.

Should our law enforcement be held to a higher standard?
What about the First Amendment, does it apply to everyone including those charged with protecting ALL people?
This one is a very thin line we're walking. Where do draw the line?

It will be interesting to see how this one comes out.

Holding America Accountable

Forty Three years ago today August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

Some people think this speech was simply about Black and White issues in this country but it was actually a lot more.

Think about 1963 what was happening in our country and world... JFK was assassinated in November, rumblings in Vietnam, George Wallace elected Governor of Alabama, Cuba Embargo. Civil Rights movement.

Have you ever seen the speech in its entirety? Most of us have only heard or seen parts of the speech. The people in the crowd were not just black people but people of all races.

His speech was suppose to only be a few minutes but because of his passion and eloquence for words his speech lasted for almost twenty minutes. He spoke of hope and a brighter vision for this great nation.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a barrier remover, a ray of hope in a very difficult time for this nation. He became the conscious of a nation that stated in our Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal. A nation that promised equality and equal opportunities for all to reach their fullest potential.

Martin Luther King Jr. lended his voice to a nation of people to help them find their voice. He was a beacon of hope at a time when this nation needed a very bright one.

Do you think if Martin Luther King Jr. were still alive today would he still be lending his voice? What groups of people would he be lending his voice to today?

I believe he would be in New Orleans lending his voice to the injustices still going on one year after the worst natural disaster to ever hit our shores. MLK would once again be holding our Government's feet to the fire on it's promises.

Take a moment and consider how far or how little we have come as a Nation in 43 years since this speech was delivered?

Reaching Out - Make A Difference

When is the last time you picked up the phone and called someone you haven't talked with in years? When's the last time you got one of those phone calls from someone you hadn't spoken with in years? Was the person surprised you were calling? Were you surprised when you picked up the phone?
How many times do we get so caught up in our lives that we forget those truly important to us even thousands of miles away?

What would happen if you took 5, 10, 15, 20 minutes out of your day to reach out and say hello? We take for granted that we're going to have a tomorrow to do this simple task in... We think we don't have enough time to reach out but do we?

You never know the impact you may have on another person's life and that phone call, email, card, letter could possibly make all the difference at a time when they need it most. Don't put off until tomorrow what you should have as a priority today. You may never get that tomorrow.

Believe me I've been there when someone so vitally important to me passed away before I got a chance to take that five, ten, fifteen minutes to spend with them.

I enjoy sending cards and letters to friends and family since email has gotten so impersonal and we love to get things in our mailbox other than bills.

I challenge you in the next week to reach out to just one person you haven't spoken to in years.

Call them up and see what's new, reconnect with them and let them know they are valuable to you. It's better than calling somewhere down the road to find out their no longer a resident of planet earth!

It's Time!

I can't put it off any longer... it's time! Tomorrow morning I will find my way back to the gym. Look out 24 Hour Fatness here I come. I spoke with a friend this evening who just joined a gym and started back tonight.

This is not the 24 Hour Fitness I go to but the picture cracks me up. Why would have you an escalator up to the entrance of the gym. A friend in San Diego attends this one pictured.

The job I am now doing requires me to have tons of energy and keep a tight schedule. The emotional and physical strength I need for our workshops is more demanding than any other job I've ever done.

This is the T-Shirt I need to get since it's how I feel most of the time when I take the stairs.

If you know me, you know I would rather build the arm muscles raising a burger up to my mouth.

I've said for years if you could loose weight masturbating I'd be anorexic. I've tried, boy have I tried, but it just isn't working no matter how many times I increase it! ; )

This is how I feel when I look in the mirror. I don't wear anything like this lady has on, but sometimes I feel like I'm this size!

I think this type of workout apparel should be outlawed at the gym. If she went into the jungle they'd shoot her!

A few people have motivated me to get started back and I already know the benefits I will gain from making this a regular habit like brushing my teeth.

Family

I was asked this past week where my priorities are? I was asked where my family fell in those priorities and if I had them listed as things that matter most. This was an unusual question that I hadn't pondered before. The person asking me said my family should be at the top of my list. Nothing else should matter as much or highly as my family.

I was also asked if I felt balanced in all four areas of Physical, Social/Emotional, Mental and Spiritual. If any of these four are unbalanced, then I won't be able to achieve the results I could if they are all in balance. I'm working on getting all four quadrants of my life in balance for the next few weeks.

It's been a busy busy week with back to back classes but each were incredibly rewarding with lots of break troughs. We did have one guy that didn't want to participate and had a totally negative attitude, however I think by the end of the third day he was starting to make changes in his life. He admitted to the class that he had a negative attitude, which they did not buy and supported him in coming along with the class no matter how he was seeing himself in the present situation.

Back to the office tomorrow and a new class starting on Monday!

Barriers

Today ended our class and all I have to say is WOW! The final process we give the class is about breaking through barriers. What's a barrier that is holding you back from being your absolute best?

If I asked you to write your barrier on a piece of wood then on the opposite side write everything you're going to gain when you remove this barrier? What would you write? What things would you have in your life? Think about this?

Once you'd have these things listed on your board, I'd have you bring it to the front of the room, read it to the class and then place it on two cinder blocks and put your fist through the board. This is the final process we put our participants through!

It's amazing the break troughs we have during this process. People have been carrying this stuff around for a very long time. We know if it was a simple as breaking wood there wouldn't be any trees left in the forest. It's about recognizing and proclaiming that you will work on this everyday. The most amazing part is the boards people are breaking could be my boards. It also surprises me when someone lists their barrier and I would have never thought that about the person.

Wow What A Day

For those of you that have kept up with my blog, you probably remember the Stereotype process I wrote about. Yesterday's class was amazing. I of course like every class usually at least once a week however this week it will be twice have to leave the room and then stand up by the flip chart for "Gay/Lesbian" while they read the words and have the class look into my eyes.

My fellow trainer yesterday pointed out to the class that I stand every time and you could see in their faces the light bulbs going off. We had a very masculine "baby boomer" class that I am sure had their opinions.

After the process was over I was approached by a manager in security that told me he respected me for my standing up there. He also said I changed his views in that process and apologized for the vile shit written on the flip chart. I got goose bumps when he was talking.

That's what makes this job so rewarding, when you can get someone to at least open their mind and see the growth starting to happen!

Had a friend in town from Atlanta last night for one night so I met up with him and had dinner. Wish David could have stayed longer and I would have been off but at least an hour or so it better than nothing!!

In The Business of Touching Hearts

It's amazing that I just started day one of six and it doesn't seem like I have five more to go. It makes all the difference in the world when you are passionate about your work. If you can make your advocation your vocation you have accomplished something that most people don't.

Do you love what you do? When the morning comes and you have to go to work, are you excited about going to work? It's an AMAZING feeling when you can answer yes to those questions. I have been blessed for some reason in this opportunity I've been given. I truly feel like I make a difference in what I do now. I am changing lives every time I go to work.


We had an amazing day at the Monte Carlo. People always come in on day one wondering what cool aid we're drinking and by the end of the day their usually impressed with the day they have just experienced. The course becomes uniquely theirs in its outcomes. I had one gentleman in our closing circle ask, how we do this heavy training every day? I told him we would actually answer that question tomorrow morning in our reflection time. It should be interesting telling him our motivations and passion for doing what we do.

We are in the business of touching hearts. "When the intellect it expanded and the heart is touched, lasting change occurs".

Back to Backs

Tomorrow starts back to back workshops for me so I'll be working the next six days straight. Had lunch today with Keri and Christian which was much fun. Keri cracks me up with her wit and bluntness.

It was interesting having lunch with Christian since I only see him behind the bar pouring my drinks. He sure knows how to make a Crown and Coke!

It's amazing when you get to know someone away from their place of work. Christian has a very noble job of teaching school to high school students. I admire him for he touches the future, he teaches!

My job is different since I touch the future in a different way. I teach adults how to look at new paradigms and change old habits. To look in the mirror do a gut check and ask themselves...

Where must I be better?

Looking forward to a great week and hopefully lots of breakthroughs!

You Never Know

Have you ever thought, the impact you have on other people's lives without even knowing it? You never know what influence you have on someone. It's incredibly important with friends that you spend lots of time with.

Justin who I use to hang out with every weekend and enjoy life with here in Vegas moved to Dallas a couple years ago. My life changed drastically after Justin moved and didn't realize the impact he had on me until he was gone. Justin came to Vegas for a visit this weekend and we had a great time like he had never moved away. A few times he would say something trying to save face or keep up appearances with me and I would say "remember who you're talking to" and he would loosen up and talk freely.

It's about creating a space where people can be them selves, where they can speak their truth without threat of judgment. I want my friends to be totally open and honest with me. I can't grow as a person unless I have the relationships that I can trust and have open communication with the person.

I cried a little tonight when I was saying goodbye to Justin until the next time we see each other. I thank God for the time we had in the past two days. I cherish and appreciate the moments God gives me with the friends and family in the time I am given. No one is promised tomorrow and if I lay my head down and my eyes never open again, I know that I had quality time with Justin and a few other friends that I have powerful communication with when we speak. I hope to at least live through Labor Day weekend since two of my DEAREST friends are coming to Vegas and spending time with me. I have a huge surprise for them over that weekend!

This is Francios, a very dear friend who joined us tonight at the country bar watching Justin tear up the floor. Francios is a great guy and a lot of fun to be around.

I'm deepening the relationships I had started the first time I lived in Las Vegas and it's especially important here in Las Vegas where friends are hard to find and hang on to.

The Great Masters

What a way to end the third and final day of the Champion workshop. We have a celebration at the end of the class and previous Diversity Champions will come to see how the current class did. We show a video of the three day journey the class just took set to music.

Tonight we had a few guest speakers which made the celebration even bigger. We had Punam Mathur the Senior Vice President of Corporate Diversity and Community Affairs for MGM MIRAGE. Punam is the most amazing person you will ever meet. I had the great privilege of working for Punam last year and she is the biggest reason I found my way to this new position and calling.

Punam is the type of leader that will believe in you and speak your potential and have you raising your personal bar if not for anything else but to not disappoint her.

The second speaker was The Honorable Alexis Herman, former Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton. Alexis Herman was the 23rd Secretary of Labor and the first African America to ever hold the position.

Ms. Herman is such an eloquent speaker. It was great to hear her speak to this class and guests as we wrapped up an amazing three days.

Alexis Herman sits on our Board of Directors for MGM MIRAGE and in one of only a few Corporations in America today that have a Diversity Board. It's about having the right people in the right place at the right time and we have that with Punam and Alexis.

The last speaker was Bill McBeath, President of Bellagio. Mr. McBeath attended a former Diversity Champion Workshop that changed his life as well. It was so incredible to hear a property president of his stature speak about this program.

It's amazing to work for this company, where we have so many great masters at what they do. Most people want to be the master without ever being the apprentice first. We have to learn to be the apprentice first and then work our way into the role of the master.

If I gave you an hour with Beethoven or Picasso are you going to tell them how to play the piano or paint a masterpiece, or are you going to soak up as much as you possibly can, in the time you've been given?

Stereotypes

If I said Stereotype, what comes to mind? What do you think of? Where do you think Stereotypes come from? Are you stereotyped?

Today in Diversity Champion Class we did the Stereotype process which is very ugly but drives the point home. We could spend time talking about what stereotypes are but would it be as effective as putting someone through a significant emotional event?

We have the class of people stand at the flip chart looking out at society, which is the members of the class not in that particular group. We then read each word written on the flip chart. We have the class participants look these people in the eyes as we read what society has said about them. It's a really hard process to go through but it leaves a lifetime lasting impression.

I always have to stand in front of the "Gay/Lesbian" flip chart since I have to live with integrity. You would think after doing a few of these classes over the past month and a half, it would get easier, however it doesn't. Today was the worst experience so far. Someone wrote "Unfit and should not have children". This struck a very sensitive point with me.

Years ago when my sister first got married and had her second child that if something ever happened to her and her husband, the kids would go to her sister inlaw since they were more responsible. What this really meant was since I wasn't married and there were suspicions they didn't trust me enough to raise her children. If you can imagine how bad that hurt and came rushing back to my mind today when we did this exercise.

Are You Giving "Live" or "Die" Votes?

Once again we came to the process known as Life Boat in our training class. This process you have to select who lives and who dies. The survivors have to take your last messages back to your loved ones.

How many time during a day do you give out die votes? Die votes are... I won't turn off the TV cause you don't mean enough to me... I don't have time for you... A moment of rudeness... You don't matter to me.... You don't have value to me. Those are all die votes. Live votes are exactly the opposite. They say... you mean a lot to me... I will turn off the TV to see how your day was... I am interested in what you're saying... You have value... You matter.

How many of your relationships need tending to? Have you sent that card to the friend you've been meaning to for the last six months? Have you made that phone call to tell a loved one or friend just how much they mean to you? What are you waiting for? Are you giving out "Live" or "Die" votes in your everyday interactions?

I can feel myself changing for the better as a person. Look out I am going to be a phenomenal partner to someone who recognizes the gift in the future. Just imagine being in this class at least once a week if not twice a week learning all these value and principle exercises. I can't help but change and become a better person and better leader with MGM MIRAGE and my community. I have finally found my purpose for being! I am working in a job that doesn't seem like a job but seems like a life long calling.

I hope those of you who read my posts get something of value out of them. I love anything that can change a life for the betterment or themselves and society.

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

Just finished up a Diversity Champion class at Mandalay Bay that started Thursday and ended Saturday. The workshops are always three days. Sometimes we run back to back workshops which turns my work week into six days straight of training.

It's amazing to be in a job which doesn't seem like a job. They pay me to learn and expand my knowledge of leadership programs. When we're not in the classroom teaching, we're in the office reading books and studying the different parts of the class.

This picture is Mandalay Bay being constructed, it's neat seeing the before and after pictures of an incredible resort destitnation.

Project City Center is still in the ground but they are making progress. It's fun to see a billion dollar resort being constructed, however this resort MGM MIRAGE is building is expected to be between 7 to 8 Billion dollars. It's the largest privately financed construction project to ever be undertaken in the United States. A project this big has not been under taken since Pope's were building cathedrals according to some architects in New York.

This view from the airport of Mandalay Bay a great shot showing the hotel in the background and the mountains to the West of the Strip.

Las Vegas is totally surrounded by these mountains with Mt. Charleston topping the highest point in Nevada at 11,918.

My Debut Diversity Class

Today was a great personal victory for me. Monday I studied with my team on the pieces of the Diversity Champions Class that I would deliver at Mandalay Bay. Wednesday morning we meeting with the company partnering with us and discover that I have a huge piece that I hadn't studied for and had one day to learn.

I delivered the introduction which is about 45 minutes and sets the stage for the rest of the three day workshop. I did a great job for the first time. It's not perfect yet, but I surprised even the master trainer who didn't expect me to do as well as I did. That's a huge "Live" vote!! My manager was present to witness my first debut and also congratulated me for a job well done.

I have some mentors here in Vegas and they have great experiences and wisdoms that I hope to gain as time goes by. This job is definitely challenging since there is so much content to learn but it's also the most rewarding job I've ever had. The amazing thing it doesn't even seem like a job. I feel like I'm living in a dream.

The Spirit of Ubuntu

If we were in the Northern Natal of South Africa instead of saying hello, we would say Sawa Bona. "Sawa Bona" means "I see you" You would reply if I greeted you this way with "Sikhona" which means "I am here"

Until you see me I am not here! When you see me, you bring me into existence. How many times to you not bring someone into existence? We as humans tend to do this everyday without even realizing the impact it has when we don't bring people into existence. It says you don't care, they don't matter, their not worth your respect. I see this daily walking into the entrance of any of our resorts. People walking with their heads down, not looking into the eyes of others, not acknowledging and extending a smile, a greeting. Think how much it means when you greet someone, smile at someone, bring them into existence. It says you are worth my respect, I care about you as a fellow human being.

Ubuntu is the African sensibility that we are human only through the humanity of other human beings.

The spirit of Ubuntu – that profound African sense that we are human only through the humanity of other human beings – is not a parochial phenomenon, but has added globally to our common search for a better world. – Nelson Mandela

Back Online Again!

Hey everyone I'm back! We were switching internet providers with customer service coming from India! If you can imagine me speaking with someone in India and I actually know what I'm talking about when it comes to technology! It was amusing!

Here is a guy we saw trying to learn how to line dance in San Diego during Pride! I would have gladly gave him lessons!

This is unreal to see people that look like this and in San Diego, their a dime a dozen!!!

This guy was tryint to sell us massage chairs, however we learned that he didn't come with the chair and and he didn't even deliver the chair! Come on give me some incentive to buying this expensive of a chair!!!!!!

On the left is Sebastian, the sales man and on the right is my GREAT friend in San Diego, Ara.